A 2-day-1-night trip to Hoi An is the ideal option for those wanting to fully immerse themselves in the ancient town’s peaceful and timeless beauty within a short period of time. With a well-planned itinerary, you can stroll through charming old streets, savor local specialties, and experience the slow-paced lifestyle that defines Central Vietnam. In this article, FVG Travel provides a detailed guide to help you make the most of your Hoi An adventure in just two days and one night.
1. The Best Time to Visit Hoi An for a 2-Day-1-Night Trip
Choosing the right time to visit is crucial for a memorable 2-day-1-night getaway in Hoi An. So, when is the best season to go? Hoi An’s weather is divided into two distinct seasons — the dry season and the rainy season — each offering its own unique charm.
Dry Season (January to July):
- February to April: Pleasant and cool weather, ideal for exploring the ancient town, trying local dishes, and enjoying festivals.
- May to July: Toward the end of the dry season, consider combining your trip with a visit to the Dong Giang Heaven’s Gate Ecotourism Area to take in majestic natural scenery and breathe fresh mountain air.
Rainy Season (August to January):
October to December: Prolonged rains can cause flooding in Hoi An, and locals sometimes use boats to navigate the streets — a unique and photogenic sight.
Travel Tip: On the 14th day of the lunar month, the old town turns off all electric lights, illuminating the streets only with lanterns. This creates a magical, dreamlike atmosphere and is also when vibrant street performances and cultural festivals take place — a truly unforgettable experience.
2.Transportation for a 2-Day-1-Night Trip to Hoi An
2.1 How to Get to Hoi An
For your 2-day-1-night journey to Hoi An, you can choose from the following transportation options:
- By Plane: From Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you can book a round-trip flight to Da Nang Airport, with ticket prices averaging around 1,500,000 VND. From Da Nang, it’s easy to reach Hoi An by bus, shuttle, taxi, or rented motorbike.
- By Sleeper/Coach Bus: If you're traveling from nearby provinces, taking a bus is a cost-effective and convenient way to get directly to Hoi An.
- By Private Vehicle: For those who prefer flexibility, using a motorbike or personal car is a great way to explore Hoi An at your own pace. Don’t forget to use Google Maps for the most accurate and convenient route.
2.2 Transportation Options in Hoi An
- Motorbike: Ideal for those planning to visit multiple destinations that are far apart. However, note that certain streets in the Ancient Town have motorbike restrictions during specific hours, so travelers should be mindful when navigating this area.
- Bicycle: A perfect choice for those wanting to explore Hoi An in a peaceful and relaxing way. Many hotels offer complimentary bicycle rentals, or you can rent one for around 40,000 VND per day.
- Cyclo (rickshaw): A unique cultural feature of the Ancient Town. You can catch a cyclo on streets like Phan Chau Trinh or Tan Phu for about 150,000 VND per hour.
- Walking: Strolling along the Hoai River in the evening is a wonderful way to soak in the poetic charm of Hoi An. Walking is also budget-friendly and gives you easy access to sample delicious street food along the way.
- Boat: One of the must-try experiences in Hoi An is taking a boat ride along the Hoai River or Thu Bon River. Just head to the central dock in the Ancient Town, and you can easily rent a boat on the spot.
3. Where to stay for a 2-day-1-night trip in Hoi An?
Hoi An offers a wide range of beautiful hotels, resorts, and homestays, with diverse styles and price points. Depending on your preferences, needs, and budget, you can choose the type of accommodation that best suits you for a comfortable stay. Among them, Fivitel Hoi An is considered an ideal stop for families, offering a well-equipped, relaxing space along with many memorable experiences.
The hotel offers a luxurious space, high-quality services, and a convenient location near the heart of the ancient town. Notably, it features various amenities such as a swimming pool, restaurant, and children's play area all designed to make your stay more relaxing and memorable.
- Address: 207 Au Co Street, Hoi An Dong Ward, Da Nang City (formerly Quang Nam)
- Hotline: 0702 762 952
- Price: From only 950,000 VND per night
4. Suggested Itinerary for a 2-Day-1-Night Trip to Hoi An
4.1 Day 1: Fully Explore the Ancient Town
Morning
Start your journey by arriving in Hoi An and checking into your hotel. Then, head to the Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu), one of the most iconic check-in spots in Hoi An Ancient Town. Continue your exploration by visiting historical landmarks such as the Phung Hung Ancient House and the Tan Ky Old House, both of which preserve the architecture and memories of old Hoi An.
Lunchtime
Savor iconic local dishes such as cao lau, mi Quang, Phuong’s banh mi, or chicken rice - all of which have contributed to Hoi An’s culinary reputation.
Afternoon
Take a stroll through the ancient town, visit local handicraft shops, and shop for souvenirs. Don’t miss the chance to explore the Chinese Assembly Halls, especially the Fujian Assembly Hall - a place where culture, history, and traditional art converge. After that, you can stop by the traditional Hoi An Market to browse and buy everything from daily essentials and fresh produce to local specialties like souvenirs, lanterns, and conical hats.
Evening
Immerse yourself in the glowing lantern-lit atmosphere of the ancient town and enjoy delicious street food. For a more poetic experience, take a boat ride on the Hoai River and release floating lanterns.
4.2 Day 2: Discovering Nature and Local Culture
Start your day with a visit to Dong Giang Heaven’s Gate – one of the most famous eco-tourism, resort, and entertainment destinations in Quang Nam.
Check-in at the entrance of Dong Giang Heaven’s Gate
As soon as you arrive at Dong Giang Heaven’s Gate, you’ll be impressed by its grand and eye-catching entrance gate. This is one of the most popular check-in spots in the area, where almost every visitor stops to capture their first photos before beginning the journey of discovery.
Thien Mon Bao An Tower
This is one of the most prominent spiritual architectural structures within the eco-tourism area. Not only does it embody deep cultural and religious values, but it is also a popular stop for many visitors—especially Buddhist pilgrims seeking to visit and pay their respects.
Explore Tien Cung Cave
Tien Cung Cave is part of the cave system at Dong Giang Heaven’s Gate and is often described as a "mystical labyrinth in the heart of the great forest." Formed entirely by nature over thousands of years, the cave features a multi-layered structure shaped through natural geological processes.
Co Tu Cultural Village
Co Tu Cultural Village preserves and vividly showcases the unique culture of the Co Tu people through traditional stilt houses with simple thatched roofs. Visitors can truly experience the essence of local life as they see men and women dressed in traditional brocade attire, participating in gong dances and engaging in vibrant cultural exchanges.
A Stroll on the Ngoc Rong Glass Bridge
With its transparent, internationally certified design, the Ngoc Rong Glass Bridge offers not only a unique and thrilling experience but also stands as a sacred symbol amidst the great mountains - the image of a divine dragon holding a pearl, embodying the spiritual essence of the southern skies. Spanning a total length of 39 meters, the bridge is nestled in majestic natural surroundings, where the figure of the dragon winds around the mountain peak, creating a breathtaking and poetic landscape.
Tien Waterfall
Visitors can admire around 25 waterfalls of various shapes and heights, cascading over majestic cliffs and deep ravines. Among them, the most striking is Tien Waterfall - a popular check-in spot chosen by many tourists during their visit.
5. What to Eat During a 2 Day 1 Night Trip to Hoi An?
5.1 Hoi An Chicken Rice
Chicken rice is a signature dish in Hoi An, featuring fragrant yellow rice, tender shredded chicken, and a refreshing side of pickled papaya and fresh herbs to balance the flavors, all served with a light, savory broth. It’s a perfect choice to fuel up for your journey of exploration.
Recommended places to try:
- Ba Buoi Chicken Rice: 22 Phan Chu Trinh
- Xi Hoi An Chicken Rice: 47/2 Tran Hung Dao
- Ba Thuan Chicken Rice: 17/4 Hai Ba Trung
5.2 Cao Lau
Cao Lau is a signature local specialty featuring chewy noodles served with pork, shrimp, char siu, crispy rice crackers, and fresh herbs. The rich, flavorful broth adds depth to the dish, making it both memorable and irresistible.
Recommended Places to Try:
- Thanh Cao Lau: 26 Thai Phien Street
- Lien Cao Lau: 21B Thai Phien Street
- Ba Be Cao Lau: 19 Tran Phu Street
5.3 Hoi An Banh Mi
Hoi An Banh Mi is famous for its crispy crust and generous fillings, including pork, pork sausage, pâté, butter, fresh herbs, and a signature sauce. This quick and flavorful dish is a favorite among both local and international visitors.
Recommended places to try:
- Phuong Banh Mi: 2B Phan Chu Trinh
- Madam Khanh Banh Mi: 115 Tran Cao Van
5.4 Hoi An Quang Noodles (Mi Quang)
Mi Quang is a traditional dish from Quang Nam, known for its harmonious blend of shrimp, pork, egg, peanuts, fresh herbs, and rich broth. It's a must-try when exploring local cuisine.
Suggested places to enjoy Mi Quang:
- Mi Quang Ong Hai: 6A Truong Minh Luong
- Mi Quang Ba Minh: 137 Phan Chu Trinh
- Mi Quang Di Hat: 4 Phan Chau Trinh
6. How much does a 2-day-1-night trip to Hoi An cost?
| Categories | Estimated Cost (VND) | Notes on Transportation |
| Transportation | 300.000 – 800.000 | Round-trip bus tickets from Da Nang or nearby provinces. If flying from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, round-trip airfare may range from 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 VND. |
| Accommodation | 350.000 – 1.200.000 | Accommodation at 2–4 star hotels/resorts or budget homestays (can be cheaper). |
| Dining | 300.000 – 500.000 | Main meals, snacks, and coffee. |
| Entrance Tickets | 120.000 – 250.000 | Entrance tickets to Hoi An Ancient Town, Tra Que Vegetable Village, museums, Japanese Covered Bridge, etc. |
| Bike/Motorbike Rental or Taxi/Electric Car Ride | 100.000 – 300.000 | Local transportation costs within Hoi An. |
| Shopping & Other Expenses | 100.000 – 300.000 | Purchasing specialties and souvenirs, etc. |
The estimated total cost ranges from 1,200,000 to 3,500,000 VND per person. Actual expenses may vary depending on your spending habits, type of accommodation, and chosen mode of transportation. Traveling in a group or with family can help reduce costs through shared expenses.
7. Some Useful Tips for Your 2-Day-1-Night Trip
- It’s best to book your hotel in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid limited availability or high prices.
- Pack light and breathable clothing along with comfortable footwear for easier movement and sightseeing around the ancient town.
- Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, hats/caps, and personal items to protect your health throughout the trip.
- You can also consider joining a pre-arranged 2-day-1-night Hoi An tour to optimize your itinerary, save costs, and enjoy more exciting activities.
We hope the travel tips shared in this article will be a helpful guide for your upcoming Hoi An adventure. With a well-planned itinerary and detailed suggestions, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the town’s timeless charm, rich cultural atmosphere, and unique culinary delights.
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